Grandfather-of-two George Gamble spent 23 years as the head of Linaker Primary.

Mr Gamble, who was born in Liverpool and went on to train as a pilot in the RAF, had also taught at Birkdale Primary and had been deputy headteacher at Holy Trinity Primary during his career.

He trained as a teacher at a college in Chorley before he moved back to Liverpool to continue his education at Liverpool University. Mr Gamble was an associate of the College of Preceptors and was headteacher at Linaker Primary from 1967 to 1990.

His widow Marjorie Gamble, 81, said “He was very well known and very well liked. It is amazing the number of boys and girls that would come up to him and say how they had changed but he hadn’t.

“He was lovely, if people could see the cards I’ve been sent, I’ve got more than 100 and everyone says the same, what a gentleman he was.

“His family adored him.”

The Emmanuel Road resident was also a keen golfer at Hesketh Golf Club, where Marjorie was once assistant secretary, and he organised the chess congress for children.

Mr Gamble leaves behind his wife of 58 years Marjorie, children Gillian, 49, and Christopher, 47, and two grandchildren Charles, 16, and Sophie, 14.

The funeral will take place today (Friday, September 21) at 1.45pm at St George’s URC on Lord Street, where George was a member.